Reform
/rɪˈfɔːrm/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo improve or change something by correcting faults or removing abuses.
/rɪˈfɔːrm/
To make changes in (something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it.
The company will reform its business practices to reduce waste.
💡 Simply: Imagine something's broken, like a computer that's running super slow. To reform it means you try to fix it, update it, or make it better so it works faster. It's like giving it a makeover!
👶 For kids: To make something better or fix what's wrong.
More Examples
They are trying to reform the prison system.
The new manager decided to reform the company's structure.
How It's Used
"The government promised to reform the healthcare system."
"The school is planning to reform its curriculum."
"The company decided to reform its internal processes."
The improvement of a system, organization, etc. by making changes to it.
/rɪˈfɔːrm/
The improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory.
The company announced a series of reforms to improve customer service.
💡 Simply: Like the verb, the noun 'reform' is all about fixing something that isn't quite right. It's not about fixing the computer, this is about the act of change itself. When people want change to the way things are done, they will often demand change.
👶 For kids: Making something better or fixing what's wrong.
More Examples
The nation needs urgent economic reform.
There is widespread support for electoral reform.
How It's Used
"The movement called for social reform."
"The legislation was aimed at tax reform."
"The need for reform was evident."
Synonyms
Amend
Better
Improve
Rectify
Alteration
Amendment
Improvement
Reconstruction
Idioms & expressions
reform school
A school or institution for the education and training of young offenders, often offering rehabilitation programs.
"He was sent to reform school for his delinquent behavior."
From Middle French reformer, from Old French reformer (“to reshape, form again”), from Latin reformare (“to reshape, change, modify”), from re- (“again”) + formare (“to form, shape”).
Used since the 14th century, initially referring to a change in the form or structure of something; later specifically in religious and social contexts.
Memory tip
Think of 're-form' - forming something again, making it better.